Dodge????????

[FFeng7]

Hey Everybody.
Just got a new used dodge truck. Its a 2002 Dodge dakota with a 3.9 liter V6. I have been looking online and here on Bitog. I am trying to figure out what kind of coolant to use in it. Seems that dodge has been using this G-05 coolant. Im not sure what this is. How about regular old prestone Xtended life? That what I have used in the past, but never had a mopar before. What do you guys think? Thanks

 

[zrxkawboy]

I'd use G05.

 

[Johnny]

Agree, use the G-05.

 

[OVERKILL]

Use the G-05. Same coolant Ford uses too

 

[mechanicx]

Some interesting tidbits about Ford and Zerex-G-05 vs. Chrysler's G-05 is Chrysler's is orange/red or sort of the color of Dexcool. This isn't a problem as long as some dummy doesn't put Dexcool in. I also read that Chrylser's is 10% recycled ethylene glycol. Ford and Zerex is virgin, and that Zerex is supplying Ford. There's really nothing wrong with recycled anti-freeze though.

The Ford and Zerex is almost clear and very hard to distinquish it from plain water. I'd like a better dye like Chrysler's, but I tend to favor going with Ford/Zerex G-05.

 

[Johnny]

Good point.

 

[hate2work]

Mechanicx, you know quite a bit about coolants, and I for one appreciate your input on this board. It seems like everytime I read one of your posts I learn something new.

A big

to you

 

[ffracer]

Originally Posted By: hate2work

Mechanicx, you know quite a bit about coolants, and I for one appreciate your input on this board. It seems like everytime I read one of your posts I learn something new.

A big

to you


Agreed! Keep it coming!

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Yes, to reiterate the above thank yous - we have a very helpful member in mechanix!

 

[mechanicx]

Thanks guys. I'm just trying to pass on the best info I can get a hold of or find. Sometimes I make some mistakes and not to mention typos, but I try to get the best info I can. I have an interest in coolants and oil of course

. I'm hoping others will continue to also pass along good info on the topic.

 

[FFeng7]

OK sounds like G-05 is the winner. Who makes this stuff and where can i get it? Thanks

 

[mechanicx]

Valvoline Zerex appears to be the supplier and NAPA should have it. Ford and Chrysler amd Mercedes Benz dealers should also have it since it's their OE coolant.

 

[440Magnum]

Late to the party here, but my $0.02: DEFINITELY go with G-05 and absolutely do not use Prestone's DexClone. Zerex brand G-05 concentrate is available at NAPA and CarQuest (among others). Motorcraft Premium Gold is the same thing, available at Ford dealers. Mopar sells their own G-05 that is dyed red but chemically no different than the Ford and Zerex. The Mopar brand is easier to see in the reservoir tank (the Zerex and Motorcraft are all but impossible to see without opening the lid if the reservoir is yellowed at all.

 

[dakota99]

[censored].. if i used regular green prestone in my dodge did i seriously screw something up?? It's been in there since last spring. I think ill definitely swap it out to G-05 but did i do any damage during this run?

 

[mechanicx]

I don't think Prestone makes regular Green anymore. Even when they did they dyed theirs yellow. Maybe you used Prestone dexclone? Was it Prestone all makes all models extended life?

Even if it is dexclone most likely no harm was done even if your gaskets are not resistant to dexclone because it takes a few years and some miles for the gaskets to degrade. If it actually is Green, which Prestone doen't make, then no harm was done.

 

[dakota99]

It was the 50/50 premix that came in this bottle. I guess now that i think of it, it was more yellow.

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: dakota99
It was the 50/50 premix that came in this bottle. I guess now that i think of it, it was more yellow.

thats a Dexclone and is what people told you not to use.

 

[dakota99]

Oh ok i'll swap it for G-05 when i get time.

 

[mechanicx]

You need to get all of the old coolant out and an at least 45-50% level, perferbably 50%, of G-05 concentrate in there.

To do this you either need a competent shop with a coolant exchanger, or drain the radiator and the block, or use a T-flush, or do several radiator s and heat ups and drains maybe 3 or 4.

 

[dakota99]

So i could basically remove the thermostat, replace the upper hose, do several cycles of filling and draining with distilled water until all the yellow is out and then do 50/50 G-05? System capacity is 14.3 quarts so say 7 quarts G-05 concentrate?